Dispenser Box with Integral Water Inlet

ABSTRACT

A unitary dispenser box assembly for a washing machine appliance is provided. The dispenser box includes a mixing chamber, a plurality of valve seats, a cold water manifold, and water inlets that are integrally formed from a single, continuous piece of plastic. The dispenser box simplifies assembly, reduces parts, and minimizes the likelihood of leaks. The dispenser box thereby reduces costs while increasing the performance and efficiency of the washing machine appliance.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present subject matter relates generally to washing machine appliances and dispenser boxes for the same.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Washing machine appliances generally include a tub for containing water or wash liquid, e.g., water and detergent, bleach, and/or other wash additives. A basket is rotatably mounted within the tub and defines a wash chamber for receipt of articles for washing. During normal operation of such washing machine appliances, the wash liquid is directed into the tub and onto articles within the wash chamber of the basket. The basket or an agitation element can rotate at various speeds to agitate articles within the wash chamber, to wring wash fluid from articles within the wash chamber, etc.

During operation of certain washing machine appliances, a volume of wash liquid is directed into the tub in order to wash and/or rinse articles within the wash chamber. One or more fluid additives may be added to the wash liquid to enhance the cleaning or other properties of the wash liquid. The fluid additives may be in powder or concentrated liquid form, and are generally added to a dispenser box of the washing machine appliance by, e.g., a user of the washing machine appliance. The dispenser box may contain various chambers for containing different additives, e.g., wash detergent and softener. Water may be directed into the chambers of the dispenser box through a plurality of water inlet valves to mix with the additives and the resulting wash liquid is then dispensed into the wash chamber.

Conventional dispenser boxes have multiple parts that must be assembled and installed into the washing machine appliance prior to use. For example, such dispenser boxes may include a mixing chamber having a plurality of apertures for receiving hot and cold water. Valve seats are typically mounted over these apertures using mechanical fasteners and a plurality of seals, and the valve seats may be in fluid communication with hot and cold water inlets. Because cold water is typically used in several operations of the washing machine appliance, e.g., for dispensing softener, detergent, and for rinsing, a cold water inlet manifold is typically in fluid communication with each of the cold water inlet valve seats. Solenoid valves may then be installed on top of the valve seats to control the flow of wash liquid into the various chambers of the dispenser box.

Thus, conventional dispenser boxes require multiple parts and a more complicated assembly. Each of these parts requires separate design, tooling, procurement, and storage. Assembly takes more time and the valves or seals are susceptible to misalignment or improper installation. Moreover, the resulting dispenser box may have an increased likelihood of leaks, and maintenance costs may increase.

Accordingly, a washing machine appliance having a dispenser box that is integrally formed would be useful. More particularly, a dispenser box including a mixing chamber, valve seats, and inlet manifolds without requiring assembly of multiple parts would be especially beneficial.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present subject matter provides a unitary dispenser box assembly for a washing machine appliance. More particularly, the dispenser box includes a mixing chamber, a plurality of valve seats, a cold water manifold, and water inlets that are integrally formed from a single, continuous piece of plastic. The dispenser box simplifies assembly, reduces parts, and minimizes the likelihood of leaks. The dispenser box thereby reduces costs while increasing the performance and efficiency of the washing machine appliance. Additional aspects and advantages of the invention will be set forth in part in the following description, or may be apparent from the description, or may be learned through practice of the invention.

In a first exemplary embodiment, a washing machine appliance defining a vertical, a lateral, and a transverse direction is provided. The washing machine appliance includes a cabinet; a tub positioned within the cabinet; and a wash basket disposed within the tub, the wash basket being rotatable about an axis within the tub. The washing machine appliance further includes an additive dispenser positioned within the cabinet and configured to provide wash liquid to the wash basket. The additive dispenser includes a mixing chamber defining a compartment configured to receive wash additive and an inlet manifold in fluid communication with the mixing chamber. A water inlet is configured to provide a flow of water to the inlet manifold and one or more valves are configured to selectively control the flow of water from the inlet manifold into the mixing chamber for mixing with the wash additive to form the wash liquid. The water inlet, the inlet manifold, and the mixing chamber are formed as a single, integral part.

In a second exemplary embodiment, an additive dispenser for providing wash liquid to a wash basket of a washing machine appliance is provided. The washing machine appliance defines a vertical, a lateral, and a transverse direction. The additive dispenser includes a mixing chamber defining a compartment configured to receive wash additive and an inlet manifold. A water inlet is configured to provide a flow of water to the inlet manifold. A valve seat is configured to receive a valve, the valve seat having an inlet in fluid communication with the inlet manifold and an outlet in fluid communication with the mixing chamber, wherein the valve is configured to control the flow of water through the valve seat. The mixing chamber, the water inlet, and the valve seat are formed as a single, integral part.

These and other features, aspects and advantages of the present invention will become better understood with reference to the following description and appended claims. The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate embodiments of the invention and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

A full and enabling disclosure of the present invention, including the best mode thereof, directed to one of ordinary skill in the art, is set forth in the specification, which makes reference to the appended figures.

FIG. 1 provides a perspective view of a washing machine appliance according to an exemplary embodiment of the present subject matter with a door of the exemplary washing machine appliance shown in a closed position.

FIG. 2 provides a perspective view of the exemplary washing machine appliance of FIG. 1 with the door of the exemplary washing machine appliance shown in an open position.

FIG. 3 provides a front, perspective view of an exemplary dispenser box assembly installed in the exemplary washing machine appliance of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 provides a front, perspective view of the exemplary dispenser box assembly of FIG. 3.

FIG. 5 provides a rear, perspective view of the exemplary dispenser box assembly of FIG. 3.

FIG. 6 provides a rear, perspective view of a dispenser box assembly according to another exemplary embodiment of the present subject matter.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Reference now will be made in detail to embodiments of the invention, one or more examples of which are illustrated in the drawings. Each example is provided by way of explanation of the invention, not limitation of the invention. In fact, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various modifications and variations can be made in the present invention without departing from the scope or spirit of the invention. For instance, features illustrated or described as part of one embodiment can be used with another embodiment to yield a still further embodiment. Thus, it is intended that the present invention covers such modifications and variations as come within the scope of the appended claims and their equivalents.

FIGS. 1 and 2 illustrate an exemplary embodiment of a vertical axis washing machine appliance 100. In FIG. 1, a lid or door 130 is shown in a closed position. In FIG. 2, door 130 is shown in an open position. Washing machine appliance 100 generally defines a vertical direction V, a lateral direction L, and a transverse direction T, each of which is mutually perpendicular, such that an orthogonal coordinate system is generally defined.

While described in the context of a specific embodiment of vertical axis washing machine appliance 100, using the teachings disclosed herein it will be understood that vertical axis washing machine appliance 100 is provided by way of example only. Other washing machine appliances having different configurations, different appearances, and/or different features may also be utilized with the present subject matter as well, e.g., horizontal axis washing machines.

Washing machine appliance 100 has a cabinet 102 that extends between a top portion 103 and a bottom portion 104 along the vertical direction V. A wash basket 120 (FIG. 2) is rotatably mounted within cabinet 102. A motor (not shown) is in mechanical communication with wash basket 120 to selectively rotate wash basket 120 (e.g., during an agitation or a rinse cycle of washing machine appliance 100). Wash basket 120 is received within a wash tub or wash chamber 121 (FIG. 2) and is configured for receipt of articles for washing. The wash tub 121 holds wash and rinse fluids for agitation in wash basket 120 within wash tub 121. An agitator or impeller (not shown) extends into wash basket 120 and is also in mechanical communication with the motor. The impeller assists agitation of articles disposed within wash basket 120 during operation of washing machine appliance 100.

Cabinet 102 of washing machine appliance 100 has a top panel 140. Top panel 140 defines an opening 105 (FIG. 2) that permits user access to wash basket 120 of wash tub 121. Door 130, rotatably mounted to top panel 140, permits selective access to opening 105; in particular, door 130 selectively rotates between the closed position shown in FIG. 1 and the open position shown in FIG. 2. In the closed position, door 130 inhibits access to wash basket 120. Conversely, in the open position, a user can access wash basket 120. A window 136 in door 130 permits viewing of wash basket 120 when door 130 is in the closed position, e.g., during operation of washing machine appliance 100. Door 130 also includes a handle 132 that, e.g., a user may pull and/or lift when opening and closing door 130. Further, although door 130 is illustrated as mounted to top panel 140, alternatively, door 130 may be mounted to cabinet 102 or any other suitable support.

A control panel 110 with at least one input selector 112 (FIG. 1) extends from top panel 140. Control panel 110 and input selector 112 collectively form a user interface input for operator selection of machine cycles and features. A display 114 of control panel 110 indicates selected features, operation mode, a countdown timer, and/or other items of interest to appliance users regarding operation.

Operation of washing machine appliance 100 is controlled by a controller or processing device 108 (FIG. 1) that is operatively coupled to control panel 110 for user manipulation to select washing machine cycles and features. In response to user manipulation of control panel 110, controller 108 operates the various components of washing machine appliance 100 to execute selected machine cycles and features.

Controller 108 may include a memory and microprocessor, such as a general or special purpose microprocessor operable to execute programming instructions or micro-control code associated with a cleaning cycle. The memory may represent random access memory such as DRAM, or read only memory such as ROM or FLASH. In one embodiment, the processor executes programming instructions stored in memory. The memory may be a separate component from the processor or may be included onboard within the processor. Alternatively, controller 100 may be constructed without using a microprocessor, e.g., using a combination of discrete analog and/or digital logic circuitry (such as switches, amplifiers, integrators, comparators, flip-flops, AND gates, and the like) to perform control functionality instead of relying upon software. Control panel 110 and other components of washing machine appliance 100 may be in communication with controller 108 via one or more signal lines or shared communication busses.

During operation of washing machine appliance 100, laundry items are loaded into wash basket 120 through opening 105, and washing operation is initiated through operator manipulation of input selectors 112. Wash basket 120 is filled with water and detergent and/or other fluid additives via dispenser box assembly 200, which will be described in detail below. One or more valves can be controlled by washing machine appliance 100 to provide for filling wash basket 120 to the appropriate level for the amount of articles being washed and/or rinsed. By way of example for a wash mode, once wash basket 120 is properly filled with fluid, the contents of wash basket 120 can be agitated (e.g., with an impeller as discussed previously) for washing of laundry items in wash basket 120.

After the agitation phase of the wash cycle is completed, wash basket 120 can be drained. Laundry articles can then be rinsed by again adding fluid to wash basket 120 depending on the specifics of the cleaning cycle selected by a user. The impeller may again provide agitation within wash basket 120. One or more spin cycles also may be used. In particular, a spin cycle may be applied after the wash cycle and/or after the rinse cycle to wring wash fluid from the articles being washed. During a spin cycle, wash basket 120 is rotated at relatively high speeds. After articles disposed in wash basket 120 are cleaned and/or washed, the user can remove the articles from wash basket 120, e.g., by reaching into wash basket 120 through opening 105.

Referring now generally to FIGS. 2 through 6, dispenser box assembly 200 will be described in more detail. Although the discussion below refers to dispenser box assembly 200, one skilled in the art will appreciate that the features and configurations described may be used for other additive dispensers in other washing machine appliances as well. For example, dispenser box assembly 200 may be positioned on a front of cabinet 102, may have a different shape or chamber configuration, and may dispense water, detergent, or other additives. Other variations and modifications of the exemplary embodiment described below are possible, and such variations are contemplated as within the scope of the present subject matter.

Dispenser box assembly 200 is a box having a substantially rectangular cross-section that defines a top 202 and a bottom 204 spaced apart along the vertical direction V. Dispenser box assembly 200 also defines a front side 206 and a back side 208 spaced apart along the transverse direction T. As best shown in FIGS. 2 and 3, dispenser box assembly 200 may be mounted underneath top panel 140 of cabinet 102 such that front side 206 is visible inside opening 105. More specifically, dispenser box assembly 200 may be mounted to top panel 140 using a plurality of mounting features 210, which may, for example, be configured to receive mechanical fasteners. One skilled in the art will appreciate that dispenser box assembly 200 may be mounted in other locations and use other mounting means according to alternative exemplary embodiments.

Dispenser box assembly 200 may define a mixing chamber 220 configured to receive one or more additive compartments. For example, according to the illustrated embodiment, mixing chamber 220 may be configured to slidably receive a detergent compartment 222 and a softener compartment 224. Compartments 222, 224 are slidably connected to the mixing chamber 220 using slides 226 and are connected to a front panel 228 of dispenser box assembly. In this manner, a user may pull on front panel 228 to slide compartments 222, 224 along the transverse direction T. Once extended, detergent compartment 222 and softener compartment 224 may be conveniently filled with detergent and softener, respectively. Front panel 228 may be then be pushed back into mixing chamber 220 before a wash cycle begins.

Although the illustrated embodiment shows detergent compartment 222 and softener compartment 224 slidably received in mixing chamber 220 for receiving wash additives, one skilled in the art will appreciate that different configurations are possible in alternative exemplary embodiments. For example, more compartments may be used and the compartments may be accessed by a lid instead of sliding out of mixing chamber 220. Alternatively, mixing chamber 220 may draw wash additives from a separate storage container such that sliding compartments 222, 224 are not needed. Other configurations of mixing chamber 220 and compartments 222, 224 are also possible and within the scope of the present subject matter.

Dispenser box assembly 200 may further include a plurality of valves configured to supply hot and cold water to mixing chamber 220 or directly to wash tub 121. For example, according to the illustrated embodiment, a plurality of apertures may be defined on top 202 of mixing chamber 220 for receiving water. Each aperture (not shown) may be in fluid communication with a different portion of the mixing chamber. A plurality of valve seats may be positioned over top of each of those apertures to receive a valve that controls the flow of water through each aperture.

For example, a first valve seat 234 may be in fluid communication with a first aperture for providing hot water into detergent compartment 222. A second valve seat 236 may be in fluid communication with a second aperture for providing cold water into detergent compartment 222. A third valve seat 238 may be in fluid communication with a third aperture for providing cold water into softener compartment 224. A fourth valve seat 240 may be in fluid communication with a fourth aperture for providing cold water into mixing chamber 220 or directly into wash tub 121.

Water inlets may be placed in fluid communication with each of valve seats 234, 236, 238, 240. More specifically, a hot water inlet 244 may be connected to a hot water supply line (not shown) and a cold water inlet 246 may be connected to a cold water supply line (not shown). According to the illustrated embodiment, each water inlet 244, 246 may include a threaded male adapter configured for receiving a threaded female adapter from a conventional water supply line. However, any other suitable manner of fluidly connecting a water supply line and water inlets 244, 246 may be used. For example, each water supply line and water inlets 244, 246 may have copper fittings that may be sweated together to create a permanent connection.

Notably, hot water inlet 244 is in direct fluid communication with first valve seat 234. However, because washing machine appliance 100 uses cold water for multiple purposes, cold water inlet is in fluid communication with a cold water manifold 248. As best shown in FIG. 5, cold water manifold 248 is a cylindrical pipe that extends along the lateral direction from second valve seat 236 to fourth valve seat 240. In this manner, cold water manifold 248 places valve seats 236, 238, 240 in fluid communication with cold water inlet 246.

Each of valve seats 234, 236, 238, 240 may be configured to receive a water valve 252 for controlling the flow of water through a corresponding aperture into mixing chamber 220. Water valve 252 may be, for example, a solenoid valve that is electrically connected to controller 108. However, any other suitable water valve may be used to control the flow of water. Controller 108 may selectively open and close water valves 252 to allow water to flow from hot water inlet 244 through first valve seat 234 and from cold water manifold 248 through one or more of second valve seat 236, third valve seat 238, and fourth valve seat 240.

An alternative exemplary embodiment of a dispenser box assembly 300 that may be used with washing machine appliance 100 will now be described with respect to FIG. 6. More specifically, the interaction between a cold water manifold, valve seats, and a water valve will be described. Like numerals will be used to describe similar components from dispenser box assembly 200, except that 100 will be added to each reference numeral. Dispenser box assembly 300 is similar to dispenser box assembly 200 in most respects. However, dispenser box 300 has a cold water manifold 348 that is disposed within a mixing chamber 320. More particularly, a top wall and back wall of mixing chamber 320 define a portion of cold water manifold 248. By contrast, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, cold water manifold 248 is a cylinder that sits above mixing chamber 220.

In operation, a water supply line is connected to cold water inlet 346 in the same manner as described above. A flow of water is provided into cold water manifold 348, where it is in fluid communication with a valve seat 336. A water valve (not shown) is positioned in valve seat 336 and is configured to move between an open position and a closed position responsive to a signal from controller 108. Valve seat 336 may define an inlet 360 in fluid communication with cold water manifold 348 and an outlet 362 in fluid communication with an aperture 364. When the valve is in the open position, water may flow from cold water manifold 348, through inlet 360 into valve seat 336, and out outlet 362 into mixing chamber 320 through aperture 364. One skilled in the art will appreciate that the dispenser box assembly 200 may operate in a similar manner.

Referring back to FIGS. 3 through 5, dispenser box assembly 200 may include one or more nozzles (not shown) for directing wash fluid, such as water and/or a mixture of water and at least one fluid additive, e.g., detergent, fabric softener, and/or bleach into wash tub 121 from dispenser box assembly 200. For example, when second valve seat 236 is open, water may flow from cold water inlet 246 through cold water manifold 248 and second valve seat 236 into detergent compartment 222. Water may mix with detergent placed in detergent compartment 222 to create wash liquid to be dispensed into wash tub 121.

A nozzle (not shown) may be placed on the bottom of detergent compartment 222 or on the bottom of mixing chamber 220 to dispense the wash fluid into wash tub 121. According to the illustrated embodiment, dispenser box assembly 200 may include four nozzles associated with valves seats 234, 236, 238, 240, respectively. However, it will be understood that different nozzle configurations may be used in alternative exemplary embodiments. For example, nozzles may be positioned on a bottom of mixing chamber 220 near wash tub 121 or directly on wash tub 121, but could be positioned in other locations as well.

Now that the construction of dispenser box assemblies 200, 300 according to an exemplary embodiment has been presented, a method of forming these parts will now be described. Such a method may include fabricating dispenser box assemblies 200, 300 as unitary assemblies. In this manner, dispenser box assemblies 200, 300 may be integrally formed of a single continuous piece of plastic, metal, or other suitable material. Referring to dispenser box assembly 200 as an example, mixing chamber 220, valve seats 234, 236, 238, 240, water inlets 244, 246, and cold water manifold 248 may be constructed of a single continuous piece of plastic, e.g., via injection molding.

Integral formation of dispenser box assemblies 200, 300 requires mold tooling specifically designed to form each of the above described components. Once the mold pieces are in place, the mold is injected with injection-molding grade plastic to form single-piece dispenser box assemblies 200, 300. In this regard, dispenser box assemblies 200, 300 may be constructed of or with a suitable plastic material or any other suitably rigid material. For example, dispenser box assemblies 200, 300 may be injection-molded plastic such as HIPS (high impact polystyrene—injection molding grade) or ABS (injection molding grade). After the injected plastic is solidified, the mold parts are removed to reveal single-piece dispenser box assemblies 200, 300 having integral valve seats 234, 236, 238, 240, water inlets 244, 246, and a cold water manifold 248.

By contrast, prior methods of forming dispenser box assemblies 200, 300 have required multiple parts and a complicated assembly process. More specifically, a mixing chamber having a plurality of apertures would be separately formed by injection molding or another process. Valve seats, or a valve seat assembly, would be mounted to mixing chamber using mechanical fasteners. A plurality of seals would be placed between the mixing chamber and valve seats to prevent leaks between the valve seats and respective apertures in the mixing chamber. A water manifold and the hot and cold water inlets would then be mounted to one or more of the valve seats.

In addition to the conventional manufacturing process being significantly more difficult and time-consuming, the resulting dispenser box assemblies frequently have small leaks, particularly between the valve seats and the mixing chamber, through which water may leak out of the dispenser box assemblies. Notably, using the above-described method of forming dispenser box assemblies 200, 300 by injection molding, manufacturing costs may be reduced and the performance of the resulting assemblies may be improved.

Dispenser box assemblies 200, 300 formed as described above may exhibit significant performance advantages over prior, multi-part dispenser boxes. From a manufacturing perspective, fewer parts are required to be procured, stored, and assembled. Additionally, assembly is simplified as parts do not need to be joined, sealed, or otherwise assembled. Finally, there are fewer potential leak points where water might escape during operation.

This written description uses examples to disclose the invention, including the best mode, and also to enable any person skilled in the art to practice the invention, including making and using any devices or systems and performing any incorporated methods. The patentable scope of the invention is defined by the claims, and may include other examples that occur to those skilled in the art. Such other examples are intended to be within the scope of the claims if they include structural elements that do not differ from the literal language of the claims, or if they include equivalent structural elements with insubstantial differences from the literal languages of the claims. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A washing machine appliance defining a vertical, a lateral, and a transverse direction, the washing machine appliance comprising: a cabinet; a tub positioned within the cabinet; a wash basket disposed within the tub, the wash basket being rotatable about an axis within the tub; and an additive dispenser positioned within the cabinet and configured to provide wash liquid to the wash basket, the additive dispenser comprising: a mixing chamber defining a compartment configured to receive wash additive; an inlet manifold in fluid communication with the mixing chamber; a water inlet configured to provide a flow of water to the inlet manifold; and one or more valves configured to selectively control the flow of water from the inlet manifold into the mixing chamber for mixing with the wash additive to form the wash liquid, wherein the water inlet, the inlet manifold, and the mixing chamber are formed as a single, integral part.
 2. The washing machine appliance of claim 1, wherein the water inlet is a cold water inlet, the additive dispenser further comprising: a hot water inlet in fluid communication with the mixing chamber; a hot water valve configured to selectively control a flow of hot water from the hot water inlet into the mixing chamber; and one or more cold water valves configured to selectively control a flow of cold water from the inlet manifold into the mixing chamber or the wash basket, wherein the hot water inlet, the cold water inlet, the inlet manifold, and the mixing chamber are formed as a single, integral part.
 3. The washing machine appliance of claim 1, wherein the mixing chamber includes a first additive compartment and a second additive compartment, the additive dispenser further comprising: a first valve in fluid communication with the first additive compartment and the inlet manifold, the first valve being configured to selectively control the flow of water from the inlet manifold into the first additive compartment; and a second valve in fluid communication with the second additive compartment and the inlet manifold, the second valve being configured to selectively control the flow of water from the inlet manifold into the second additive compartment.
 4. The washing machine appliance of claim 3, wherein the first additive compartment is configured to receive wash detergent and the second additive compartment is configured to receive fabric softener.
 5. The washing machine appliance of claim 3, wherein the additive dispenser further comprises a third valve in fluid communication with the wash basket and the inlet manifold, the third valve being configured to selectively control the flow of water from the inlet manifold into the wash basket.
 6. The washing machine appliance of claim 1, wherein the additive dispenser further comprises one or more valve seats configured to receive the one or more valves, each valve seat having an inlet in fluid communication with the inlet manifold and an outlet in fluid communication with the mixing chamber, wherein the one or more valves are configured to control the flow of fluid through the one or more valve seats.
 7. The washing machine appliance of claim 1, wherein the one or more valves are solenoid valves.
 8. The washing machine appliance of claim 1, wherein the water inlet is threaded for receiving a water supply hose.
 9. The washing machine appliance of claim 1, wherein the additive dispenser is positioned above the tub.
 10. The washing machine appliance of claim 1, wherein the washing machine appliance is a vertical axis washing machine appliance.
 11. An additive dispenser for providing wash liquid to a wash basket of a washing machine appliance, the washing machine appliance defining a vertical, a lateral, and a transverse direction, the additive dispenser comprising: a mixing chamber defining a compartment configured to receive wash additive and an inlet manifold; a water inlet configured to provide a flow of water to the inlet manifold; a valve seat configured to receive a valve, the valve seat having an inlet in fluid communication with the inlet manifold and an outlet in fluid communication with the mixing chamber, wherein the valve is configured to control the flow of water through the valve seat, wherein the mixing chamber, the water inlet, and the valve seat are formed as a single, integral part.
 12. The additive dispenser of claim 11, wherein the valve is configured to selectively control the flow of water from the inlet manifold into the mixing chamber for mixing with a wash additive to form the wash liquid which is provided to the wash basket.
 13. The additive dispenser of claim 11, wherein the water inlet is a cold water inlet, the additive dispenser further comprising: a hot water inlet in fluid communication with the mixing chamber; a hot water valve configured to selectively control a flow of hot water from the hot water inlet into the mixing chamber; and one or more cold water valves configured to selectively control a flow of cold water from the inlet manifold into the mixing chamber or the wash basket, wherein the hot water inlet, the cold water inlet, the inlet manifold, and the mixing chamber are formed as a single, integral part.
 14. The additive dispenser of claim 11, wherein the mixing chamber includes a first additive compartment and a second additive compartment, the additive dispenser further comprising: a first valve in fluid communication with the first additive compartment and the inlet manifold, the first valve being configured to selectively control the flow of water from the inlet manifold into the first additive compartment; and a second valve in fluid communication with the second additive compartment and the inlet manifold, the second valve being configured to selectively control the flow of water from the inlet manifold into the second additive compartment.
 15. The additive dispenser of claim 14, wherein the first additive compartment is configured to receive wash detergent and the second additive compartment is configured to receive fabric softener.
 16. The additive dispenser of claim 14, wherein the additive dispenser further comprises a third valve in fluid communication with the wash basket and the inlet manifold, the third valve being configured to selectively control the flow of water from the inlet manifold into the wash basket.
 17. The additive dispenser of claim 11, wherein the valve is a solenoid valve.
 18. The additive dispenser of claim 11, wherein the water inlet is threaded for receiving a water supply hose.
 19. The additive dispenser of claim 11, wherein the additive dispenser is positioned above the wash basket.
 20. The additive dispenser of claim 11, wherein the washing machine appliance is a vertical axis washing machine appliance. 